Method and apparatus for body work

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining and maintaining correct alignment of body structure. In one embodiment of the invention, a head band is utilized that places light pressure on the erector spinae and sub occipital muscles below the occiput to relax the muscles that caused the counter clockwise rotation and light pressure is maintained to correct the misalignment of the atlas and occipital condyles. In another embodiment of the invention, the atlas is centered by applying manual gentle pressure to relax the muscles that caused the counter-clockwise rotation. Once relaxed, light pressure is manually applied to correct the misalignment of the atlas and occipital condyles. Gentle pressure can also be applied to the muscles that tightened as a result of the misplaced atlas until the muscles relax. The relaxation of muscles in this manner tends to also allow other misplaced body structure to return to its original position once the buildup of fasciitis is manually released. Moreover, an individual can be taught how to use the method and apparatus of the present invention to thereby maintain correct body structure and relaxed muscles.

1. A method for body work, comprising the following steps:
 checking an atlas to ensure that said atlas is in a centered position; 
 responsive to a finding that said atlas is not in said centered position during said step of checking, centering said atlas by applying gentle pressure to an area on a neck over said atlas, holding gentle pressure for a period of time, and releasing pressure and continuing said step of applying gentle pressure, holding gentle pressure for a period of time, and releasing pressure until said atlas is in said centered position; 
 relaxing at least one tight muscle by applying gentle pressure to a belly of said muscle holding gentle pressure for a period of time, and releasing pressure and continuing said step of applying gentle pressure, holding gentle pressure for a period of time, and releasing pressure until said muscle is relaxed; and 
 re-checking said atlas to ensure said atlas is still in a centered position and re-centering said atlas if it has moved from said centered position. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of checking comprises feeling said neck near a base of a skull to determine if a muscle feels hard. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2  wherein said step of centering comprises applying gentle pressure with a finger on a first side of said neck and feeling a response on a second side of said neck. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein said step of centering comprises placing a first thumb on said first side of said neck over said atlas and placing a second thumb on said second side of said neck over said atlas, holding light pressure on both first thumb and second thumb, releasing first thumb and feeling a response under said second thumb, holding light pressure on said first thumb again and feeling a response under said second thumb, and repeatedly holding light pressure and releasing said first thumb while keeping said second thumb over a transverse process of said atlas until said transverse process moves approximately inferior to a mastoid process on an occipital bone. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4  further comprising the step of verifying said centered position by pressing on said second side of said neck over said transverse process approximately inferior to said mastoid process and feeling movement on said first side of said neck over a second transverse process approximately inferior to a second mastoid process. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4  wherein said step of centering further comprises rotating a head counterclockwise, holding a chin and leaning said head forward. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step teaching a user how to perform said steps on self. 
     
     
       8. An apparatus for assisting in obtaining and maintaining a centered atlas comprising a flexible frame with a front portion for placement on a forehead of a user and first and second terminal ends configured such that when said flexible frame is placed on a head of said user, said first terminal end is located behind a first ear near a base of a skull of said user and said second terminal end is located behind a second ear near a base of a skull of said user; and a strap attached to said first and second terminal ends of said flexible frame, wherein when said flexible frame with said strap are placed on a head of said user, said strap applies light pressure to said atlas that promotes centering of said atlas if not centered and helps maintain a centered position of said atlas after said atlas is centered, said flexible frame further comprising a plurality of flexible frames, said plurality of flexible frames are different sizes and have attachment means on said first terminal end and attachment means on said second terminal end of each said flexible frames. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said flexible frames comprise a polyethylene plastic and a padding attached to an inner surface of said flexible frames for providing a comfortable surface to mate with said head. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said frames is constructed such that a user may cut said frames to fit a particular head size. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said frames comprise at least two slots for attachment of said strap. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein said strap is adjustable such that said user can vary a pressure applied by said strap to said atlas.